The Ancient Kingdoms Festival of AlUla transports visitors to the heart of AlUla's captivating past

The ongoing two-week event of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival of AlUla observes the history and culture of the area. The event is being hosted by AlUla Moments and runs until December 2. It provides a range of thrilling activities that immerse guests in the fascinating history of AlUla. Cultural events, nighttime excursions, historic dining experiences, and excursions to historical and archaeological sites are all part of the festival's schedule.

The celebrations this year commemorate Hegra's 15-year classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 52-hectare Nabataean city stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia's illustrious past. After lying abandoned for more than two millennia, the city has now opened its doors to archaeologists and other specialists who wish to explore its ancient mysteries.

The famed Arab adventurer Ibn Battuta visited Hegra in the fourteenth century, and he recorded in his memoirs that over the ages, traders, pilgrims, and travellers passed by its graves on their way to Makkah.

Charles Montagu Doughty was another well-known explorer who undertook the expedition. Doughty's journey to Hegra was mentioned in his 1888 book "Travels in Arabia Deserta." He is now regarded as one of the best Western travellers in Arabia.

But now, as one of Saudi Arabia's most recognisable sites, Hegra is accessible to all travellers, allowing them to discover a unique and unspoiled region of the Kingdom. The new and exciting points of access, allow visitors to uncover Hegra’s secrets and  witness history through innovative, thoughtfully designed experiences. 

"Hegra After Dark" is an immersive historical experience set against the backdrop of some of the most amazing tombs of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the history and culture of incense usage throughout ancient times in the curatorially conceived "Secret Garden of Khuraymat," which is reached by horse-drawn carriage inspired by the Nabataean style. In contrast, "Theatre of Life" is an entertaining historical narrative experience.

Inspired by the history of the province, the "Evening of Stone" transports guests to some of the most significant cemeteries in the area. The "Life in Al-Hijr Exhibition" highlights fifteen archaeological finds made in the area, together with the local fauna and vegetation.

The event began on Nov. 16 with the “Journey Through Time Parade” over the first weekend, shedding light on the lives and memory of AlUla as well as the myths, legacies, and stories of the historic incense trail.

In addition, visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of Jabal Ikmah through "Ikmah After Dark," a celebration of the ancient place's recent inclusion on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. This event combines Arabian hospitality and refreshments with interactive carving activities and a breathtaking show that is inspired by the inscriptions left by past civilizations.

The "King Nabonidus Parade," another newly created activity, offers guests a chance to celebrate all things Tayma in a theatrical production featuring the final ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

As they explore the mythical landscapes and discover how AlUla, Khaybar, and Tayma—three interrelated ancient oasis of Northwest Arabia—are linked, visitors will see how the past and present are entwined.

Khaybar is a place of natural treasures and geological wonders. Visitors are invited to experience traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and family-friendly historical performances through interactive experiences like "Khaybar Camp." While the "Oasis Soundscape" event offers a unique combination of music, nature, and scenery, Takya Restaurant provides a taste of traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine among picturesque views of the Khaybar forts and oasis.

Another important location is Tayma, which offers historical experiences that reveal the depth and nuance of the monarchs, queens, and prehistoric societies that previously thrived in the area. Of them, "Tayma Camp" offers a lovely combination of food, real handicrafts, cultural shows, camel riding, and falconry; on the other hand, "Tayma Live" is a captivating re-enactment show that uses music and performing arts to tell the narrative of the "Land of the Kings."

There are many new Oases Discovery activations available during the Ancient Kingdoms Festival. Created in partnership with the people of AlUla, the "Memory Sanctuary" honours the oasis with a holistic encounter. In an immersive dessert laboratory, visitors may make classic sweets, savour liquid nitrogen slushies, and taste 3D-printed wafers.

In addition, recollections of the Oasis's harvest season serve as the basis for two unique picnic experiences: "Ancestral Hampers" and "Life and Memory Chest." Guests can choose to have a gourmet meal in a posh setting or take advantage of the family-friendly, transportable picnic hampers to eat outside under the trees.

Under the heading "Programmes for Future Ancients," a number of creative and cultural seminars will take place. The Academy of Ancient Inscriptions spoke with archaeologists extensively to produce these activities, which are geared toward young minds and their families.

Check out experiencealula.com for further details.